Verdict Is...

Ok, there is some good and some bad news. But over all, it is mostly good.

I am not done with doctors yet. I have an appointment with a cardiologist in two weeks for a 'walking blood pressure test' (ie - stress test). My doctor wants to get the 'all clear' from a specialist before he writes everything off as just something crappy I have to live with.

What we know for sure right now: I have an arrhythmia, and I tend to have palpitations. They suck, it makes me feel like poop, but it's not life threatening. He also said that he is 99% sure I'm having random drops in blood pressure that are causing my nausea and dizziness to occur so frequently.  (This is the reason he wants me to see the cardiologist.)

Good news: I can run. Well, he wasn't jumping up and down shouting I'll be an Olympic marathoner,  but before I left I made him answer me honestly: Can I Run?  He said yes, but as soon as I get any symptoms I have to stop. He did say there is no reason I can't do the 1/2 marathon October 2nd. (tears of joy!!)

Bad news: I have to be extremely cautious with my running. The arrhythmia causes a shortage of oxygen to my muscles, making me weaker already. Running can make it worse since I'm depleting my oxygen, electrolyte, and potassium stores. Mix that with a random and sudden case of low blood pressure and I could become very light headed, possibly passing out. So I have to run with someone near me until I see how my body responds. This means going to the gym or hubster is going to get a lot of use on his bike. But luckily he has been riding along with me for my LRs anyways, so this isn't anything new for him. :)

I'm thrilled for what I think is good news. Yes, I have some limitations, and no, I won't ever be able to run through the hills of Mexico alone like Caballo Blanco, but....

I Can Run!

This whole experience has made me so much more appreciative of running. To have something almost taken away from you makes you realize just how much it means to you. Yes, most of the time the actual act of running sucks, and goodness knows how many times I've bitched and moaned that I didn't want to be out there doing it. But to be faced with not having the option at all, that is worse than any bad run I can imagine. So bring on the road, the sweat, and the tears. I'm ready to get back in training.